For the majority of my teens and twenties…and thirties… I kept my hair styled in a short above the shoulder bob. For the first time in years, I have long hair. Until recently, I had not been concerned with heat protection, special brushes, or detanglers, now keeping my hair strong and healthy is a high priority.

Here are my top four secrets I have adopted to keeping my long hair strong and healthy.

1. Protect your hair when it is most fragile
   Hair is the most fragile when it is wet. Do not dry off your hair with a towel. The rough friction caused by the towel can cause fragile hair to break. Wrapping your wet hair on top of your head in a heavy towel can also put unnecessary pressure on your hair causing breaking to those fragile hairs around the hairline. Instead, I recommend using an old t-shirt to wrap your hair in. It is not only lightweight, but also surprisingly absorbent. I also recommend getting a brush specifically made for brushing wet hair. While there are several different types and brands, I recommend the one from the brand The Wet Brush.

2. Protect your hair from heat
Over time using heat to style your hair can cause hair damage giving the hair a dry and brittle appearance. Heat can also cause breakage and split ends, making it harder for your hair to lie flat. To get your hair back to its healthiest and shiniest, always use a heat protectant when heat styling your hair.
On the recommendation of YouTuber Jessica Braun (@jambeauty89 on IG) I purchased the Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Kids Extra-Moisturizing Detangler. She has long beautiful shiny hair. While it is marketed as a kids product it has done wonders for my hair. When I use this spray I am even able to let my hair air dry without it looking frizzy or greasy. When I am heat styling my hair, it not only detangles, but also acts as a heat protectant. The detangling spray along with the Wet Brush used together are amazing at smoothing out and easily gliding through wet hair precteting it while most vulnerable!

Another heat protectant I absolutely love and recommend is the L’Oreal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Sleek It Iron Straight Heatspray $4 for 5.7oz. My hair is soft, shiny, and super smooth every time I use this spray. It claims to protect hair up to 450 degrees!

3.Use a silk pillowcase and silk hair ties
If you are anything like me, you move around a lot while you are sleeping. All that friction between your skull and pillow can wreak havoc on your hair. I suggest buying a silk pillowcase. The smooth silky texture causes less friction which in turn causes less breakage. Another way damage and breakage can happen is from hair ties. I have been wearing a silk scrunchie whenever I pull my hair back, especially at night when I’m sleeping. I feel like these little silk changes have made a big difference in the health and strength of my hair. You can find the Mulberry Silk Bed Pillowcase I chose by clicking HERE. The nOir Jewelry Ombre Leopard scrunchies I have been using came in a set of three. Click HERE if you’re interested in purchasing a set for yourself.

4. Stop using shampoo
The biggest change that I made… I stopped washing my hair with shampoo. I know, I know, you might not be convinced or want to try it for yourself. I still condition my hair daily when I shower, but about two years ago I stopped using shampoo. This little change has made a big difference. My hair has never been shinier, stronger, or healthier since I stopped using shampoo.

Here is a list of some of my favorite conditioners:
SheaMoisture Treatment Hair Masque for Extremely Dry Hair Manuka Honey and Yogurt
Aussie 3 minute miracle
John Frieda Brilliant Brunette
Shea Moisture Manuka Honey and Yogurt Conditioner

What about you? Do you have long hair or are you growing out your hair? Have you tried any of these methods to protect your hair? Did you notice any difference? Let me know in the comment section below.

Like what you see here, stop by Instagram and visit my page @lookingjoligood. Generally, on Instagram I post mostly pictures of food, plants and puppies, but there are pictures of makeup and beauty products as well. 😉

I would love for you to follow me on  Twitter,  Instagram, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three.  I would also love to follow you on Instagram and Twitter as well, so let me know your user name in the comment section below!

*Some of the above links are affiliate links